Treasury Official Traveling to Colombia and Mexico Amid U.S. Sanctions, Reports Reuters

U.S. Targets Drug Trafficking with Sanctions on Colombian and Mexican Entities

On Tuesday, the United States intensified its efforts against drug trafficking, as the Treasury Department announced sanctions against leaders of one of Colombia’s largest trafficking organizations and businesses in Mexico linked to Sinaloa Cartel fentanyl smugglers.

A senior official from the Treasury Department is currently visiting Colombia and Mexico to address issues such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and fentanyl smuggling. This trip, which marks a significant step in combating the fentanyl crisis, was first reported by Reuters.

Lisa Palluconi, the Acting Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, is focusing her discussions in Mexico City on the opioid crisis, particularly the trafficking of fentanyl into the U.S., which often transpires across the U.S.-Mexico border. This synthetic opioid is typically manufactured using precursor chemicals sourced from China.

Fentanyl overdoses have now become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, with over 107,000 drug overdose fatalities reported in 2023 alone.

The sanctions imposed on Tuesday, coordinated with the Mexican government, targeted two specific businesses—a frozen dessert company and a retail pharmacy—that were established by individuals already under U.S. sanctions for drug trafficking.

The Treasury highlighted that members of the Sinaloa Cartel frequently utilize proceeds from international drug trafficking to create businesses that appear to operate legitimately.

In addition, five Colombian nationals accused of being leaders within the Clan del Golfo—the country’s largest criminal gang—were also targeted, in collaboration with the Colombian National Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.